ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday said that the matter of irregular hiring practices in the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) could not be ignored. “How can the NAB overlook illegal recruitments being made within, while it files references against other departments in this regard?” asked Justice Azmat Saeed Sheikh while hearing a petition about […]

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday said that the matter of irregular hiring practices in the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) could not be ignored.

“How can the NAB overlook illegal recruitments being made within, while it files references against other departments in this regard?” asked Justice Azmat Saeed Sheikh while hearing a petition about NAB’s reply to an earlier court ruling in a similar case.

The SC had ordered to expel those officials from the NAB who were appointed inconsistently. It further said that those officials would be sent back to the departments from where they came or would be allowed to apply for jobs in the NAB through regular procedure.

Nevertheless, the applicant of the case, who resigned from the National Bank of Pakistan to join the NAB, said that he was not being reinstated in the bank.

He alleged that the NAB had discriminated against them.

The NAB prosecutor said the accountability bureau would continue to take action according to the judgment.

The SC bench directed the NAB authorities to lodge cases against those involved in making irregular recruitments.

“We wish to fortify institutions, which could only be possible if inconsistent appointments are stopped,” the bench said.

KARACHI: The cellular services will be suspended in different cities of the province including Karachi from September 19 to 21 due to Muharram security. According to reports, the mobile phone services will be suspended in areas particularly the routes of Ashura processions. The authorities are expected to suspend mobile services in cities including Shaheed Benazirabad, […]

KARACHI: The cellular services will be suspended in different cities of the province including Karachi from September 19 to 21 due to Muharram security.

According to reports, the mobile phone services will be suspended in areas particularly the routes of Ashura processions. The authorities are expected to suspend mobile services in cities including Shaheed Benazirabad, Khairpur, Larkana, Shikarpur and Hyderabad.

Reports quote Sindh home secretary as saying that the decision for not suspending the cellular services across cities was taken in order to facilitate people. Reports say the services will be switched off in areas along and close to the routes of processions from 7am to 12 midnight.

“There is no chance of any untoward incident during the holy month of Moharram-ul-Harram as the government is taking strict security measures and implementing code of conduct,” said the chief minister while presiding over a high level meeting on law and order.

Home Secretary Kazi Kabir briefed the meeting about code of conduct for all the religious and other organisations for maintaining law & order during the month of Muharram-ul-Harram.

At this the chief minister directed the district administration and law enforcement agencies to ensure peace, tranquility and inter-sect harmony.

Secretary Home said that all the DIGs have been directed to assess and provide adequate security to notables till chehlum. He added that peace committee’s meetings were being held at all levels.

Additional IG Karachi Dr Ameer Shaikh told the meeting that that there were 1996 Imambargahs in the province, of them 356 were in Karachi, 590 Hyderabad division, 118 Mirpurkhas, 93 Shaheed Benazirabad, 374 Sukkur and 456 in Larakana division in the province. He added that there would be 3513 processions of them 319 have been categorized as most sensitive, 1059 sensitive and 2135 normal.

The meeting was told that out of 786 processions to be held all over Sindh, 11 were most sensitive, 312 sensitive and 463 normal. In order to provide complete security to the Muhartram processions, 69,545 policemen would be deployed.

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has devised a special traffic plan for Muharram-ul-Harram and decided to deploy more than 566 policemen including officers and jawans on various routes of processions to avoid any inconvenience to the road users. SSP Traffic Farrukh Rasheed will himself monitor the arrangements while four DSPs and 19 Inspectors will also […]

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has devised a special traffic plan for Muharram-ul-Harram and decided to deploy more than 566 policemen including officers and jawans on various routes of processions to avoid any inconvenience to the road users.

SSP Traffic Farrukh Rasheed will himself monitor the arrangements while four DSPs and 19 Inspectors will also perform duties to ensure smooth flow of traffic and guide the road users about alternate routes to avoid any inconvenience.

Islamabad Traffic Police arranged special deployment of ITP staff during main mourning procession to be taken out from Imam Bargah Asna-e-Ashri, G-6/2 on 9th Muharram-ul-Haram, which will be culminated after passing through its traditional route at the same place and diversion programme has been issued.

The SSP Traffic said that ITP has special traffic diversion plan for mourning procession to be taken out on 9th Moharram ul Haram and citizens have been advised to use alternate routes on this occasion.

According to the plan, the 7th Avenue from F-6 Chowk to Soharwardi road, like wise Fazal-e-Haq road from Chine Chowk to Kulsum Plaza will be closed for general traffic. The road from Iqbal Hall to Melody Chowk, Municipal road from Markazi Jamia Masjid to Poly Clinic Chowk, Luqman e Hakeem road from Poly Clinic to Lal Quarters while G-6 service road from G-6/2 Chowk to Lal Quarters Chowk will remain close for general traffic and the traffic will be diverted to alternate routes.

Another procession will start from Imambargah Musa Kazim in sector I-10 which will culminate there after passing through various routes. The various roads including I-10 Markaz, CDA Chowk no. 1, Katarian Bridge, IJP Road (Pirwdhai and Faizabad area) will remain close for traffic while citizens are asked to use IJP road if they want to go to I-10 (Sabzi Mandi) from Faizabad, Murree road, Bhara Kahu or Khana bridge.

The residents of sectors I-8, I-9 would use external IJP, Pirwadhai road. The citizens have been requested to cooperate with the Islamabad Traffic Police and call 1915 or 0519261992-93 to get further information.

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Tuesday reviewed the arrangements for Local Government (LG) by-election in all four provinces of the country. In a meeting presided over by Chief Election Commissioner Justice Sardar Muhammad Raza, a detailed briefing was given by all four Provincial Election Commissioners while discussion was made on issues and their […]

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Tuesday reviewed the arrangements for Local Government (LG) by-election in all four provinces of the country.

In a meeting presided over by Chief Election Commissioner Justice Sardar Muhammad Raza, a detailed briefing was given by all four Provincial Election Commissioners while discussion was made on issues and their solutions towards holding these elections.

Secretary Election Commission was also present on the occasion and it was decided to hold a meeting with all four Provincial Local Government Secretaries during the next week.

This meeting would further review the arrangements in connection with these elections and future strategy would be devised after listening to the viewpoint of provincial governments.

Meanwhile, the ECP has registered as many as 631,909 overseas Pakistani voters for giving them right to vote in by-polls in 37 constituencies on October 14.

According to an official of ECP, during registration process started from September 1, all overseas Pakistanis had been asked to register themselves as voters by due date.

He said the commission had also extended the date for registration of overseas Pakistan is from September 15 to September 17 for exercising their right of casting vote in by-elections.

He said all registered overseas Pakistanis voters would have the right of casting vote in bye-election through I-Voting system.

He said a letter had been written to the Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs to direct the Pakistani missions abroad to educate overseas Pakistanis regarding registration process and right of their vote in by-elections in their respective constituencies.

He said the ECP will deliver stipulated time voting passport to overseas Pakistanis to avail the opportunity of I-Voting for casting their vote in by-elections being held in 37 constituencies on October 14.

The official added the commission will generate voting passport system for registered overseas Pakistanis on October 14 and all eligible voters can cast their vote during Pakistan Standard Time from 8am to 6pm on polling day.

BEIJING: Chinese foreign ministry’s spokesperson Tuesday hoped that Afghanistan and Pakistan’s relations would develop in a healthy and stable manner. He was commenting on Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s recent visit to Afghanistan. The Chinese Foreign Ministry also appreciated Qureshi’s visit to Kabul and said they hope it will lead to an improvement in ties […]

BEIJING: Chinese foreign ministry’s spokesperson Tuesday hoped that Afghanistan and Pakistan’s relations would develop in a healthy and stable manner.

He was commenting on Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s recent visit to Afghanistan.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry also appreciated Qureshi’s visit to Kabul and said they hope it will lead to an improvement in ties between the two countries.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday held a one-on-one meeting with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in Kabul where both leaders agreed to join hands for peace and stability in the region.

“As a common neighbour and friend of Afghanistan and Pakistan, China hopes that Afghanistan and Pakistan relations will develop in a healthy and stable manner,” Geng Shuang said during his regular press briefing held here.

While appreciating the positive attitudes of both sides, he said that China supports the implementation of the “Afghan Peace and Solidarity Action Plan” by both sides and jointly promotes the Afghan reconciliation process.

“China is willing to continue to play a constructive role in improving relations between the two countries,” he added.

The spokesperson said that the Chinese side is maintaining close communication with the Afghan side and the Pakistani side on the specific arrangements for the second tripartite foreign minister’s dialogue.

In early August, Pakistan and Afghanistan held inaugural meetings of the five Working Groups (WGs) under the Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS) in Kabul. The Afghan delegation was led by Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Karzai and the Pakistani side by Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua.

The Foreign Office said both sides assessed prospects for the APAPPS forum that covers all areas of mutual interest, including counter-terrorism and security, peace and reconciliation, bilateral trade and transit, connectivity, Afghan refugees’ repatriation and promoting people to people contacts.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabian officials on Tuesday announced to fully collaborate with any ruler chosen by Pakistanis. “Saudi Arabia regards the matter of rulership of Pakistan as its internal affair,” they said upon arrival of Prime Minister Imran Khan in Medina on a two-day official visit. Imran is accompanied by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Finance […]

They were received by Madina Governor Shehzada Faisal bin Salman. Pakistani Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Khan Hasham bin Siddiq, Saudi Arabian officials and officials of Saudi Arabian consulate were also present on this occasion.

The officials said Saudi Arabia had full trust on people of Pakistan. They said whatever the kingdom presented during the tenures of different governments, it was a reflection of love for humanity.

The officials said Imran’s relation with Saudi Arabian leadership was based on mutual trust.

Imran is scheduled to pay respect at Roza-e-Rasool (PBUH) today where he would offer Maghrib prayer.

The prime minister is visiting Saudi Arabia on the invitation of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman.

During his two-day visit, he will meet King Salman to discuss many important bilateral, regional and International issues. Similarly, matters related to welfare of the Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia and ways to enhance people to people contact are likely to come up for the discussion.

The Secretary General of Organization of Islamic Cooperation Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen will also call on the premier.

Imran Khan will perform Umrah.

The king will host a state banquet for the prime minister of Pakistan at the royal court, according to the foreign ministry statement.

The premier along with delegation will then head to Abu Dhabi on Wednesday on the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders will discuss issues of bilateral interest.

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Finance, Asad Umar has said that no cut in development budget for projects of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Diamer-Bhasha dam and Higher Education Commission was proposed in the supplementary budget. Presenting the supplementary budget in the National Assembly, the minister said the government proposed to slash around Rs 250 billion on […]

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Finance, Asad Umar has said that no cut in development budget for projects of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Diamer-Bhasha dam and Higher Education Commission was proposed in the supplementary budget.

Presenting the supplementary budget in the National Assembly, the minister said the government proposed to slash around Rs 250 billion on the development projects under Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2018-19 to Rs 725 billion.

The previous government allocated Rs 23 billion for Diamer-Bhasha dam and Rs 46 billion for various development projects of HEC under PSDP 2018-19.

Meanwhile, the Minister said foreign debts had also surged to 95 billion dollar from 60 billion dollar.

The Finance Minister also announced some relief measures for different segments of society. Petroleum Development Levy worth 100 billion rupees as envisaged in the current budget has been withdrawn for the benefit of the people, said Umar.

“Regulatory duty imposed by the previous government in the budget on 82 tariff lines has been abolished for raw material meant for export related industries.”

This would involve relief of five billion rupee for the industry.

It has been decided to launch Insaf Health Card scheme in the Federal Territory and formerly FATA on the pattern of KPK.

Asad Omar said there would be no reduction in the exemption limit for income tax.

Similarly, existing tax rate on income slab between Rs 1.2 and 2.4 million would also be retained. However, income tax rate for higher income slabs would be 25 percent and 29 percent, the minister added.

Asad Omar said the Government had decided to withdraw tax exemption for prime minister, Governors, ministers in respect of accommodation, conveyance and sumptuary allowance.

KARACHI: Additional Inspector General Sindh Police Ameer Sheikh on Tuesday said the news circulating about abduction of children in Karachi were nothing but rumours. “This year eight kids were kidnapped and all of them have been recovered. Most of the children are abducted from suburban areas of Karachi, while some of them leave home after […]

KARACHI: Additional Inspector General Sindh Police Ameer Sheikh on Tuesday said the news circulating about abduction of children in Karachi were nothing but rumours.

“This year eight kids were kidnapped and all of them have been recovered. Most of the children are abducted from suburban areas of Karachi, while some of them leave home after getting tired of quarrel between their parents,” he said while talking to media in Karachi.

He requested people to do not leave their children unattended in streets as most of them go missing while playing in their localities. He said domestic fights and forcing them to do works also become reasons behind tykes’ leaving homes.

It is pertinent to mention that few days ago eight-month-old Faiza was abducted from Old City Area in the limits of Napier police station.

The incident took place when her mother was standing with her daughter in balcony of her house when an unknown woman came up to her, snatched the little girl and fled away.

The family lodged an FIR in Napier police station. Faiza’s father sought early recovery of her girl. However, the police failed to come up to the expectations.

Few days ago a court directed the IG Sindh to form a new committee for recovery of abducted children.

Prime Minister Imran Khan during his recent visit to Karachi also expressed apprehensions on this trend in the city.

A week ago, Anti-Violent Crime Cell (AVCC) unit of Sindh Police claimed to have to solved the case of a youth named Raheel Amin who was kidnapped for ransom earlier this year on February 6.

The AVCC has arrested three suspects named Roohullah, Mukhtar, and Naeem, said DIG Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) Amin Yousafzai while addressing a press conference.

He said that ransom amount was recovered before it was being transferred to Afghanistan, while arms and a motor vehicle used in the criminal activity was also confiscated from their possession.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan and British Home Secretary Sajid Javid on Tuesday discussed a wide range of issues of common interest, including counter terrorism, organized crimes, human trafficking, money-laundering and asset recovery. The British home secretary said that his government was willing to support and extend full cooperation to the government of Pakistan in […]

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan and British Home Secretary Sajid Javid on Tuesday discussed a wide range of issues of common interest, including counter terrorism, organized crimes, human trafficking, money-laundering and asset recovery.

The British home secretary said that his government was willing to support and extend full cooperation to the government of Pakistan in these areas.

He also underscored the need to enhance cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

Imran has expressed the hope that bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom will emerge as a multi-faceted strategic partnership.

He acknowledged the United Kingdom’s development assistance had played important role in Pakistan’s socio-economic development.

Pakistan and the UK on Monday reached an agreement to work towards curbing money-laundering and repatriating assets stashed away by Pakistanis in the UK.

The announcement with regard to the accord titled ‘Justice and Accountability’ was made during a joint press conference addressed by Sajid Javid and Minister for Law and Justice Farogh Naseem here in Islamabad.

As per the accord, the two countries will make efforts afresh to tackle money-laundering and help Islamabad bring the assets stashed away by Pakistanis in the UK back.

British home secretary said the eradication of corruption is the top priority of both the countries. Both the countries have agreed to work towards repatriation of assets as well as accused persons and that the work in this regard will begin after an approval from the respective cabinets.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday changed the portfolio of Minister of State Murad Saeed. Murad Saeed has been appointed as Minister for State for Communication. He was previous the minister of state for States and Frontier Regions Division (SAFRON). Saeed was among six members who were inducted in the federal cabinet on September 11, […]

Furthermore, the president has accepted the resignation of adviser on parliamentary affairs Babar Awan who resigned earlier this month to face a corruption enquiry.

The federal cabinet currently has nineteen ministers and five ministers of state along with four advisers and four special assistants to the prime minister.

The cabinet could see further expansion as several prominent ministries are still vacant including Science and Technology, Overseas Pakistanis, Kashmir Affairs, Narcotics, and Postal Services.

Faisal Vawda and Fazal Muhammad Khan are likely to be included in the next phase along with Ali Amin Gandapur and Azam Swati.

Efforts are also being made to convince disgruntled member Muhammad Mian Soomro to be part of the federal cabinet. He has refused to take oath after not been offered a federal ministry and was instead offered a state ministry.

PM Imran Khan had initially unveiled a twenty member cabinet including fifteen ministers and five advisers.